Washing appliance with additive dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A washing appliance with an additive dispensing system can include an additive dispenser and an additive tray with an additive conduit extending therebetween. The additive conduit can use a nozzle to deliver additives into a space between a wash drum and a wash basket without applying the additive directly to the exterior of the wash basket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a washing appliance with an additive dispensing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing appliances (also referred to as “washing machines” or “washing machine appliances”) typically include a drum or basket for receipt of articles to be washed. This drum is placed within a wash bin or wash tub that serves as a container for various fluids applied to the articles during a cleaning cycle. The drum typically includes small openings or holes for the passage of fluid in and out of the basket during the cleaning cycle.

The fluids used during a cleaning cycle typically include water that may be combined with e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and combinations thereof. Depending upon the origin of water supplied to the appliance, various minerals, particulates, and other materials may also be present in the fluids used during a cleaning cycle. Other substances including e.g., dirt, dyes, and textile particulates may also be released into the fluids from the laundry articles during the cleaning process.

In a typical cleaning cycle, fluids are added and later removed from the wash bin during various stages or modes of washing and rinsing. As these fluids come into contact with the wash drum, materials may be deposited onto the wash drum. Such materials may form a film or residue—particularly on the exterior of the wash drum where direct contact with the laundry articles does not occur. The residue may be removed by e.g., contact with fluid during the same or a subsequent cleaning cycle.

However, the residue can also dry and/or remain in place on the drum—particularly during periods of non-use between cycles. If the residue is deposited above the average fluid level placed into the wash bin or the fluid level used during a self-cleaning cycle, the chances of such being removed by fluid during a cleaning cycle is significantly diminished. As the appliance is used repeatedly over various cleaning cycles, such residue may accumulate.

Although largely not visible to a user of the appliance during normal operation, residue on the exterior of the wash drum is undesirable. Further, a typical user will not be able to access the exterior of the wash drum to wash the residue away. The residue may also not be removed by a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance—particularly if the residue is located higher on the wash drum than the fluid level typically used during such a cycle.

As mentioned, various fluids contact the exterior of the wash drum during use and such may include detergent, bleach, other additives, or combinations thereof, which may also be combined with water and/or other liquids. By way of example, bleach may be useful for cleaning articles such as clothing formed from white or lighter colored textiles and may also be useful for sanitization of the articles being washed. Other additives may assist with e.g., softening of articles being washed such as clothes. Some washing machine appliances may introduce additives like bleach into the wash bin or wash tub using a dispenser in a way that may deposit such additives onto the exterior surface of the wash drum. As stated, this can contribute to an undesirable residue or other effect on the exterior surface of the wash drum that may not be readily removable.

Accordingly, a washer appliance having features to introduce additives such as bleach into the wash bin during a cleaning cycle would be useful. More particularly, such a washer appliance having a system to introduce additives or fluids containing such additives without depositing such on the exterior surface of the wash drum would be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing appliance that includes a cabinet and a wash tub positioned in the cabinet. The wash tub defines a wash chamber and an interior surface. The wash drum is rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for receiving articles for washing. The wash drum has an exterior surface. The wash drum and wash tub form an annular space therebetween. An additive dispenser can be positioned adjacent to the wash tub and configured for receipt of liquid additives to be applied to the articles. An additive conduit may have a first end connected with the additive dispenser and extend vertically downward to a second end. The second end can be located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive dispenser. A nozzle may be positioned at the second end of the additive conduit.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing appliance that includes a cabinet. A wash tub is positioned in the cabinet and defines a wash chamber. The wash tub defines an interior surface. A wash drum can be rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface. The wash drum and wash tub can form an annular space therebetween. An additive dispenser may be positioned on the cabinet and configured for receipt of liquid additives to be applied to the articles. The additive conduit may have a first end connected with the additive dispenser and extend to a second end. The second end may be located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive dispenser.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a front, cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of the exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 provides another front, cross-sectional view of the top portion of the exemplary washing machine taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the top portion of the exemplary washing machine taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the top portion of the exemplary washing machine taken along line 5-5 FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a tub cover from the exemplary washing machine of FIGS. 1-3 and illustrates the exemplary dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary dispenser if FIG. 6.

The use of the same or similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing appliance 100 of the present invention, which is also sometimes referred to as a top loading or vertical axis washing machine. In FIG. 1, a door 102 (shown in FIG. 2) has been removed for purposes of illustrating other features of the invention. Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 104 that extends between a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) 110 and a second side (right) 112 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 114 and a rear 116 along the transverse direction T.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a wash tub 118 is positioned within cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 120, and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. A wash drum 122 is rotatably mounted within wash chamber 120 of wash tub 118. For this exemplary embodiment, wash tub 118 includes a main body portion 170 and a wash tub cover 168 attached thereto (FIGS. 2 and 3).

Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a fluid outlet 124 for dispensing wash fluid (arrows D) into wash tub 118. Appliance 100 may include one or more additional outlets for directing fluid into wash tub 118 and each outlet may be separately controlled by one or more valves controlling flow to each outlet independently of the others. As used herein, the term “cleaning fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles during an operating cycle and may include water alone or any combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other wash additives or treatments. As used herein, the term “cleaning cycle” includes a wash cycle, rinse cycle, spin cycle, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “additive” includes bleach, fabric softener, and other substances that may be used during a cleaning cycle and may be added to the cleaning fluid and/or combined with water.

Wash drum 122 and cabinet 104 generally define an opening 126 (accessible through door 102) for receipt of articles for washing. Wash basket 122 rotates about an axis of rotation A (FIG. 2) powered by motor assembly 128. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error or being within ten percent of the stated parameter.

As illustrated, cabinet 104 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 130. Top panel 130 defines opening 126 (FIG. 1) that coincides with opening 126 of wash basket 118 to permit a user access to wash drum 122. Door 102 is rotatably mounted to top panel 130 to permit selective access to opening 126. In particular, door 102 selectively rotates between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, door 102 inhibits access to wash drum 122. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash drum 122. Although door 102 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 130, door 102 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 104 or any other suitable support.

As best shown in FIG. 2, wash drum 122 further defines a plurality of perforations 132 to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash drum 122 and wash tub 118. In this regard, wash drum 122 is spaced apart from the interior surface 190 of wash tub 118 to define an annular space 180 for wash fluid to escape wash chamber 120. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles being washed (e.g., clothing) and within wash chamber 120 is urged through perforations 132 wherein it may collect in a sump 134 defined by wash tub 118. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a pump assembly 148 (FIG. 2) that is located beneath wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 118. Pump assembly 148 can, for example, provide for the flow of cleaning fluid D into wash bin 118 and for the removal of spent cleaning fluid from appliance 100.

An impeller 136 is rotatably mounted within wash drum 122 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash drum 122. More specifically, impeller 136 extends into wash drum 122 and assists agitation of articles disposed within wash drum 122 during operation of washing appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, impeller 136 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). Impeller 136 and wash drum 122 are oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V). For this exemplary embodiment, impeller 136 is equipped with radial vanes 150 that assist in imparting movement to articles during operation of appliance 100. Other features, such as a vane agitator, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof, may also be used to impart motion to the articles during washing.

As stated, washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 128 in mechanical communication with wash drum 122 to selectively rotate wash drum 122 (e.g., during a wash cycle or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, motor assembly 128 may also be in mechanical communication with impeller 136. In this manner, motor assembly 128 may be configured for selectively and independently rotating or oscillating wash drum 122 and/or impeller 136 during various operating cycles of washing machine appliance 100.

A balancing ring assembly 154 is positioned at a top portion 166 of wash drum 122. During cycles where wash drum 122 is revolved or spun at high speeds to wring fluid from the wash articles, balancing ring assembly 154 helps maintain the balance of weight in wash drum 122, particularly when the load from articles being washed is not uniformly distributed. Typically, the level of fluid placed in wash tub 118 may reach top portion 166 of wash drum 122 but does not rise vertically to the level of balancing ring assembly 154.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control panel 138 with at least one input selector 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends from top panel 130. Control panel 138 and input selector 140 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features of washing appliance 100. A display 142 of control panel 138 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by at least one controller or processing device 146 that is operatively coupled to control panel 138 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 138, controller 146 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 146 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 146 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 138 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash drum 122 through opening 126, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selector 140. Water, bleach, detergent and/or other additives can be added to wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 through fluid outlet 124 and/or other dispensers such as additive dispenser 156. For this exemplary embodiment, additive dispenser 156 is positioned adjacent to wash tub 118 and is supported on wash tub cover 168. For example, a user can place liquid additives into receptacle 192 or other receptacles (FIG. 5) for application of such additive to the articles during a cleaning cycle. Different receptacles can be provided in additive dispenser 156 for various additives. Additive dispenser 156 can also be positioned in other locations on appliance 100 and have different configurations as well. One or more doors can also be provided for closing the receptacles of dispenser 156.

Controller 146 can operate one or more valves of washing appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash drum 122 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash drum 122 can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 136 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash drum 122. The specific operation of wash appliance 100 by controller 146 will depend on various inputs including the cycle and other settings that may be selected by the user, the amount of article placed in wash chamber 120, and other variables as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

By way of continuing example, after wash tub 118 is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 118 and drum 122 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 148. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding cleaning fluid to wash drum 122 and tub 118 again depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element 136 may also provide agitation within wash drum 122. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash drum 122 is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations 132. After articles disposed in wash drum 122 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash drum 122, e.g., by reaching into wash drum 122 through opening 126.

As previously discussed, during normal operations of washing appliance 100, various materials may be deposited onto the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122, which ultimately can leave a film or residue. Without undesirable disassembly of the washing appliance 100, a user cannot readily access exterior surface 152 for purposes of cleaning. In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an additive dispensing system for a washing machine appliance that facilitates the dispensing of additives in a manner than avoids depositing such onto exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122.

More particularly, referring to an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, an additive dispensing system 164 can include an additive conduit 162 to deliver liquid additives into the annular space 180 between wash drum 122 and wash tub 116. Additive conduit 162 has a first send 172 fluidly connected with additive receptacle 192 of additive dispenser 156 and a second end connected with an additive nozzle 178. As such, by operation of gravity, liquid additives can flow vertically from one or more compartments of additive dispenser 156 to nozzle 178 for delivery into annular space 180 without being directly applied onto the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122.

For this exemplary embodiment, additive conduit 162 is constructed from a hose, which may be flexible or rigid depending on the materials of construction such as rubber or polyethylene. One or more connectors may be used to attached ends 172, 174 of additive conduit 162 or such may be attached using an interference type fit. Additionally, while second end 174 is attached to a tip 188 (FIG. 6) of nozzle 178, in other embodiments second end 174 is not connected to a nozzle—provided that the second end 174 has a position that is fixed to ensure delivery of liquid additives into annular space 180 without direct application onto wash drum 122. For this embodiment, additive conduit 162 is illustrated as wholly or entirely located within annular space 180. Other constructions may be used as well depending upon e.g., the relative location of additive dispenser 156 and the desired location for second end 174.

An additive tray 176 is positioned vertically below additive dispenser 156. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, for this exemplary embodiment, additive nozzle 178 is integrally formed with additive tray 176 and extends vertically upward from tray 176. In turn, additive tray 186 is defined by, or integrally formed with, wash tub cover 168. For example, nozzle 178, tray 186, and wash tub cover 168 may be molded as single piece constructed from a plastic material. Other constructions and materials may be used as well.

Tray 176 defines a pair of compartments 182 and 184 positioned on either size of nozzle 178. As stated, tray 176 is located below additive dispenser 156, which may have additional receptacles for other liquid additives aside from receptable 192. Liquid additives from such other receptacles may pour or drip onto wash tub cover 168 and flow into one or more of a plurality of apertures 194 defined by cover 168. Compartments 182 and 184 can be used to capture liquid additives that do not otherwise flow through apertures 194. Other constructions for tray 176 may also be used including e.g., additional compartments, no compartments, and different placement relative to the nozzle.

Several aspects of dispensing system 164 can be modified in order control the flow of liquid additives into annular space 180 from additive dispenser 156. For example, the interior diameter of additive conduit 162 through which liquid additive flows can be increased or decreased to consequently control flow rate depending upon the viscosity of the liquid additive. Similarly, the interior diameter and vertical length of nozzle 178 may also be selected to control the rate of flow.

Accordingly, dispensing system 164 allows for the addition of liquid additives such as bleach during a cleaning cycle while avoiding direct deposition onto the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122. Using the teaching disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that while one additive conduit is illustrated, multiple additive conduits extending from various receptacles of an additive dispenser could also be utilized in still other embodiments of the invention. The present invention is advantageous in protecting the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122 from residues, stains, and other undesirable deposits.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub defining an interior surface; a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface, the wash drum and wash tub forming an annular space therebetween; an additive dispenser positioned adjacent to the wash tub and configured for receipt of liquid additives to be applied to the articles; and an additive conduit having a first end connected with the additive dispenser and extending vertically downward to a second end, the second end located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive dispenser.
 2. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising: an additive nozzle positioned below the additive dispenser and supported by the wash tub, the additive nozzle connected with the second end of the additive conduit, the additive nozzle configured for releasing liquid additives from the additive conduit into the annular space.
 3. The washing appliance of claim 2, further comprising: an additive tray positioned below the additive dispenser and configured for the receipt of liquid additives therefrom, the additive tray supporting the additive nozzle.
 4. The washing appliance of claim 3, wherein the additive nozzle extends vertically upward from the additive tray.
 5. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive tray is defined by the wash tub cover.
 6. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive dispenser is supported by the cabinet.
 7. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive conduit comprises a flexible hose.
 8. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive conduit is positioned wholly in the annular space between the wash drum and wash tub.
 9. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive tray is defined by the wash tub cover, and wherein the wash tub cover defines a plurality of apertures positioned below the additive dispenser.
 10. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub defining an interior surface; a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface, the wash drum and wash tub forming an annular space therebetween; an additive dispenser positioned on the cabinet and configured for receipt of liquid additives to be applied to the articles; and an additive conduit having a first end connected with the additive dispenser and extending to a second end, the second end located between the wash drum and the wash tub and positioned to deliver liquid additives into the annular space from the additive dispenser.
 11. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit extends vertically between the additive dispenser and the additive conduit.
 12. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising: an additive nozzle positioned below the additive dispenser and supported by the wash tub, the additive nozzle connected with the second end of the additive conduit, the additive nozzle configured for releasing liquid additives from the additive conduit into the annular space.
 13. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising: an additive tray positioned below the additive dispenser and configured for the receipt of liquid additives therefrom, the additive tray supporting the additive nozzle.
 14. The washing appliance of claim 13, wherein the additive nozzle extends vertically upward from the additive tray.
 15. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive tray is defined by the wash tub cover.
 16. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit comprises a flexible hose.
 17. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the additive conduit is positioned wholly in the annular space between the wash drum and the wash tub.
 18. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub comprises a wash tub cover and a wash tub main body, and wherein the additive tray is integrally formed with the wash tub cover, and wherein the wash tub cover defines a plurality of apertures positioned below the additive dispenser.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, further comprising a door for selectively closing access to the additive dispenser. 